A bridge linking two north-east communities was put under the spotlight yesterday after a public outcry.
Residents from Banff and Macduff have consistently highlighted safety concerns about Banff Bridge, which connects the two towns over the River Deveron.
And earlier this year, they passed on their complaints about the structure to an economic impact study, designed to examine what the local authority could do to improve the vital crossing.
They were finally given the chance to comment on its findings at a meeting last night.
A drop-in session, which ran throughout yesterday afternoon, took place in the main hall at Banff Academy.
Exhibition boards detailed key outcomes of the economic study, and members of the team involved in drawing it up were on hand to answer any questions.
Options included widening the carriageway of the bridge, or creating suspended walkways for pedestrians.
Last night, Macduff councillor Mark Findlater described the event as a positive step.
He said: “Something has to be done, as far as safety is concerned.
“I’ve seen it, many times, when lorries have to go up onto the pavements because they’re too wide for it. This bridge was built for, at the most, a couple of horse-drawn carts going across the road.
“There are also options for a new road bridge, or a new cycle bridge.
“This is definitely a step in the right direction because, at the end of the day, we have to get views before we can get anything done. That’s why we’ve been encouraging the public to come to these sort of events.”
Banff Bridge was designed by John Smeaton and built in 1779. Every day, about 12,000 vehicles and 180 pedestrians cross the structure.
Concerns about its future came to a head last year when the community council ramped up efforts to have it replaced.
Group member Ricky Taylor said: “This is just an accident waiting to happen. We want Aberdeenshire Council to make it a priority to get a new bridge.”